Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women Affected by State Pension Age Changes: Cost of Living

Wednesday 10 May 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Social security and state pensions are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.
  • Women in Northern Ireland benefit from energy bill support and an additional 900 cost of living payment for households on means-tested benefits.
  • The Minister has met concerned constituents regarding the impact of rising cost of living on WASPI women in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Northern Ireland Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses the impact of increased cost of living on women's state pensions in Northern Ireland, a devolved matter.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help support women in Northern Ireland affected by changes to the state pension age with rises in the cost of living.

Answer from Steven Baker

Social security and state pensions are transferred matters in Northern Ireland and therefore the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Women across Northern Ireland benefit from energy bill support and an additional £900 cost of living payment for households on means-tested benefits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps taken by his Department to address the state pension age changes in conjunction with cost of living increases were not detailed.

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Q2 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Northern Ireland Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from concerns about the impact of state pension age changes and cost of living rises on 'WASPI' women in Northern Ireland, a devolved issue.

Question

What specific discussions has the Minister had with the Northern Ireland civil service and political parties regarding the rising cost of living and its impact on WASPI women in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

This is a transferred matter under devolution. The issue has been sensitive and I have met concerned constituents, but pensions will not go away in our lifetime according to reports from the Office for Budget Responsibility and Government Actuary's Department.

Not addressed: The specific discussions or meetings regarding WASPI women's pension issues were not addressed.

How: This Is A Transferred Matter Under Devolution.

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